Ancient bracelets were all top-tier pieces, often made of jadeite and tourmaline—gemstones that remain highly valuable today. Those that have survived to this day were royal treasures; how could they not be precious?
I. For multi-colored combinations, the following are common:
Yellow + Green: Also known as “Imperial Green,” combining yellow jadeite with green jade symbolizes the majesty and demeanor of royalty.
Purple + Green: Commonly called “Spring in Full Bloom,” signifying triumphant success and winning widespread acclaim.
Red + Green + Purple: Known as “Fortune, Rank, and Longevity,” embodying the three greatest blessings in life: prosperity, high office, and longevity.
Red + Green + Purple + White (or Yellow): “Fortune, Rank, Longevity, and Joy,” signifying not only high rank and wealth but also enduring happiness and daily delight.
Red + Green + Purple + White + Yellow: “Five Blessings Descend Upon the Home,” encompassing blessings, prosperity, longevity, joy, and wealth.
Pyramid-Shaped Bead Strings: Crafted from beads of varying sizes arranged in orderly tiers, with the largest bead at the center tapering down toward the ends. This design symbolizes accumulating wealth and growing fortune. Typically crafted as necklaces.
18K Gold-Set Bead Chains: Jadeite bead necklaces and bracelets are often crafted with 18K gold settings. This serves dual purposes: protecting the beads from scratches and damage, and conveying auspicious meanings: 1. The pairing of gold and jade symbolizes the union of man and woman, representing a perfect match (jade representing the man, gold representing the woman). 2. According to the Five Elements theory, “earth generates metal.” When gold and jade are combined, they can stimulate the creation of more wealth, attracting riches and ensuring abundant financial resources.
3. Symbolism of Carving Techniques
Carving techniques are diverse, and their meanings are numerous, so we won’t elaborate on each one here. Multicolored jadeite bead strands, with their varied hues and strong malleability, facilitate the conception and creation of various themes, showcasing the cultural essence of jadeite.
For instance, eighteen-bead bracelets are often carved with the varied facial expressions of the Eighteen Arhats, symbolizing the wish for their protection.
Sometimes they are carved into identical cartoon piglets or fish. The piglet signifies “a fat pig pushing open the door,” also called the “wealth bead”; the fish symbolizes “abundance year after year.”
II. Jadeite Bracelets Vary Widely in Price—Know How to Choose and Wear Them
1. Choosing: “Color, Transparency, Uniformity, Shape, Sound, and Light”
Color: Regardless of the hue, the jadeite must exhibit vivid color. To put it poetically:
– White as freshly cut fat
– Yellow as steamed millet
– Green as emerald feathers
– Black as ink’s sheen Any discoloration or dullness will lower its value.
For multi-colored jade, pay attention to color coordination to achieve aesthetic appeal. For example, in tri-color jadeite, each color should ideally occupy about one-third of the piece. Varieties where green dominates—such as 3/5 green with 1/5 each of red and purple—are particularly sought after.
Transparency: As jadeite bracelets are made of jadeite, transparency is a key appraisal criterion. High transparency signifies premium quality; semi-translucent or opaque pieces are classified as mid-grade or ordinary jade. Transparent with green hues is considered superior.
Uniformity: First, the color of jadeite beads should be consistent. For instance, green-tinged beads with uneven coloration have low value. Secondly, it refers to uniform bead size. Especially for round bead strands, beads should be neatly arranged, consistent in size, and harmonious overall.
Shape: Regarding “shape,” first, examine the carving craftsmanship—superior carving enhances value. Second, consider the diameter of the jadeite beads. Smaller beads are wearable, but for collection purposes, larger beads are recommended as they inherently hold higher value.
Tap: The most critical flaw in jadeite is cracking. Therefore, when selecting, carefully inspect the beads for any cracks and also be vigilant about identifying BC-treated stones.
Light: When necessary, use a specialized flashlight to examine the beads. This can help you detect black spots and flaws that are difficult to see with the naked eye. You can also use a 10x magnifying glass under light to reveal any flaws or signs of fabrication.
2. Wearing: Bead Count + Diameter
For gemstone bead strands, avoid excessive bead counts or wrapping them tightly around the wrist. Gemstones are heavy and can strain or even injure the wrist. Their brittleness makes friction and collisions during tight wrapping undesirable. Women typically suit beads with a diameter of 4–6mm. Recommended bead counts include:
48 beads: Symbolizes a life of steady progress, step-by-step advancement, and gradual elevation—achieving victory through stability.
36 beads: Represents the six senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, mind) experiencing the three feelings (pleasure, pain, neutrality) and the three states (good, bad, neutral). Symbolizes overcoming life’s 36 afflictions to attain transcendent freedom. Folk tradition interprets it as “six sixes bring smoothness” (referring to the six harmonious relationships: ruler-subject, father-son, elder-younger brother).
27 beads: In Buddhism, representing the 27 enlightened sages of Hinayana Buddhism; in folk tradition, signifying the enduring harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity.
18 beads: “Eighteen Children,” referring to the six sense organs, six sense objects, and six consciousnesses. Folk belief holds it brings the protection of the 18 Arhats, symbolizing numerous children, abundant blessings, and a thriving family.
14 beads: Originally signified the fourteen kinds of merit bestowed by Guanyin Bodhisattva upon beings in the six realms, ensuring their safety and well-being.
13 beads: In Buddhism, thirteen represents the perfection of merit.
8 beads: Symbolizes eight virtues: benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, courage, purity, propriety, loyalty, and trustworthiness. It also signifies wealth, initiative, and vigorous striving with soaring momentum.